The Newsletter of Sparta Presbyterian Church
May 16, 2012
BETH HOLCOMB: NEW SESSION MEMBER
In a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, May 13, Beth Holcomb was elected to fill a vacant position on the Session, class of 2014. She will serve for an initial partial three year term. Beth is a vibrant and contributing member of the church and will be a great asset to the leadership of the church. An ordination and installation service will be a part of our worship on “The Gifts of Women” Sunday, May 27.
FREE DENTAL CLINIC: JUNE 15-16
In 2011 100 dental professionals from North Carolina participated. 43 patients were treated. Free care given amounted to $245,715.00 for cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals and 48 new dental appliances (bridges and plates) were offered.
The 2012 free dental clinic is planned for the Sparta High School Gymnasium on the above listed dates. Caring volunteers are needed each day for a variety of jobs. Such volunteering in the past has been found to be interesting and rewarding. For further information or to volunteer, (shifts are about 4 hours long), please call Alleghany Cares at 372-5959 or Rachel Nitsche at 372-2325.
GIFTS OF WOMEN DAY, SUNDAY, MAY 27
Our worship service on May 27 will be led by the women of the church. Participating will be numerous Presbyterian Women who will focus our attention on the contribution of women in the scriptures as well as in our modern, everyday community and world. Of special focus in the service will be the lives of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar and God’s promises as they dealt with a real life situation in their lives that not only caused conflict, but also resulted in God’s work through them being brought to completion. We value the many contributions of women in our community of faith, in the Sparta community, and to our world as Presbyterian Women go about the work of faith, love, charity, and hope. Please plan to attend this very special service. Following worship, we will have our monthly fellowship meal.
TRINITY SUNDAY WITH COMMMUNION, SUNDAY, JUNE 3
In our worship on this day, we will come to the Lord’s table, celebrating our freedom through Christ, and recognizing the Trinity on this Sunday set aside to consider God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
SESSION DIGEST
The Session met on Monday, May 14. Among the items considered and acted upon were:
Set Ruling Elder ordination for Beth Holcomb on Sunday, May 27.
Approved bringing the Summer Concert Series under the auspices of the church, with Jane Wyatt, Carolyn Young and Kay Bodeen to continue as committee members, and approved concert for June 8.
Adopted a policy for internal financial controls.
Studied current committee structure. Additional information to be presented at June meeting.
Approved a 3-day summer day camp in August to be hosted by Bruce and Lynda Benton
Approved renovation of the church website in a proposal from Imaging Specialists.
Heard report from the Outreach Committee regarding Relay for Life.
Heard report from Buildings and Grounds
Approved weed control for church lawn and beds.
Approved installation of decorative features to match new exterior sconce lights on the sanctuary in accord with the Gift Policy.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Our summer concert series will continue on Friday, June 8 at 7:30 P.M. Mary Elizabeth Whartenby, past director of Highland Camerata, and Nancy Walton will present a program of piano music. For the second half of the concert, Dave Hoffman and his brass quartet will perform classical, folk, and jazz music. The concert is free and open to the public as an outreach ministry of Sparta Presbyterian Church. Please plan to attend and invite a friend or neighbor.
EMPTY BOWLS:
Got your tickets? See Jean Reeves or Katee Hettlemen. The event is on May 21st.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The prayer shawl ministry continues to grow. Three churches are now involved. Some participate on their own time because of work commitments. At this writing, eighteen shawls and lap robes have been completed and will be dedicated during the worship on May 27, Gifts of Women Day. Other individuals are invited to attend and participate. The meetings are held in the fellowship hall on Monday at 10:00 A.M.
BIBLES FOR SANCTUARY
The current Bibles in use in the sanctuary are of different publishers and translations. For continuity, it is desirable to have all Bibles available for worship to be the same. We would then be able to publish all scripture references including page numbers in the bulletin. The Session has selected the New Revised Standard Version, typically used in Presbyterian worship and publications. Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, an opportunity is offered to provide a Bible(s) in honor of or in memory of loved ones or special friends. We need 50 Bibles total. Inserts continue in the bulletin through Father’s Day. The Bibles cost $10.00 each.
SUNDAY SERMON FOR MAY 20: Pentecost—one week early!
We’re changing the Liturgical calendar for one week! When the Presbyterian Women requested to have “Gifts of Women Day” on May 27 my first thought in looking at the calendar was “but that’s the Sunday we celebrate Pentecost! It’s one of my favorite Sundays and favorite preaching events Recognizing the Gifts of Women on May 27 was graciously given over to the PW, so Pentecost will reign in our worship on May 20. You all know the significance of the day. It was the event in which God breathed on the new church challenging those early disciples to “go forth”. It is sometimes referred to as the “Birthday of the Church”. On Sunday we will consider “The Birthday” or “Graduation Day” for the church. Come with anticipation. Come that we may experience great worship together. Wear something red if you’d like! Red represents the fire and passion of God. I hope to see you in Bible Study and Worship on Sunday! Pastor Bruce
PENTECOST OFFERING
On Sunday we will receive the Pentecost Offering. The offering is designated for Children at Risk, Youth, and Young Adults. Ten percent of the offering goes to child advocacy. Twenty-five percent goes to ministries with youth. Another twenty five percent goes to Young Adult Volunteers, and 40 percent can be retained by our congregation for ministries that help children at risk in our community. Please give generously to this cause.
NEW BIBLE STUDY SERIES BEGINS, SUNDAY, MAY 20.
Led by Lynda Benton, “Stewardship of God’s Creation” is from the Being Reformed series. The Sunday morning study will address being a good steward of God’s creation. There is a strong connection between human activity and the fate of the natural world. Being a “green” Presbyterian is one of the ways we can follow Christ’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves. The greening of religious communities is a positive development on the spiritual landscape. The study group meets in the Covenant Classroom after coffee and donuts at 9:30 A.M.
Pastoral Care or Prayer List
Do you know of someone who would appreciate a pastoral visit or someone who needs to be on the prayer listing? Please help the pastor know of special needs within the congregation or friends of the church. You may reach Bruce @ 828-434-0291 or at brucebenton2@aol.com.
CALENDAR OF OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday, May 20: Bible Study, 9:30, Worship at 11:00
Monday, May 21: 10:00 , Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday, May 23: Children’s Ministry and Choir, 5:30 PM
Adult Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 27: Celebrating the Gifts of Women Day, monthly fellowship luncheon and ordination of Beth Holcomb.
Sunday, June 3, Trinity Sunday withCommunion.
Friday, June 8, Summer Series Concert, 7:30 P.M.
Prayer Reminder: This week we remember: Ruth Kelly, Ruth Dysart, Doughton Tedder, Judy Church, Melanie Baker, Judy Crouse, Dr. James Aycock, John Frazier, Vila Gentry, Luke Hampton, Tam Gambill, Sue Smith, Gladys Holcomb, Alma Lefler, Lorie Reavis, Dennis Franklin, Jim Frazier, Catherine McGrady, Kenia Zaira Martinez , Dorothy Poetzsch, Jeff Jolly
Dolly Lincoln’s address is 9945 Kings Road, Gainesville, GA 30506. She is recuperating at the home of her daughter while continuing rehabilitation therapy.